'If he is Fit on One Leg, he Should be Selected': Sunil Gavaskar Makes Bold Call on Rishabh Pant's Inclusion for India's T20WC Squad

Former Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar called for a big change in the Indian side ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite the uncertainty regarding the availability of Rishabh Pant who was out injured after being involved in an accident back on December 30, 2022, the Indian legend backed the wicket-keeper batter’s inclusion in the squad ahead of the World Cup.

However, Gavaskar also praised the performances of KL Rahul who has been an important part of the Indian side, contributing with big performances with his most recent being the century knock against South Africa in the first Test at Centurion which came under tough conditions. Rahul made his return to the Indian side after picking up an injury during the IPL 2023.

READ MORE: IND vs AFG: Virat Kohli to Miss 1st T20I Due to Personal Reasons, Confirms Coach Dravid

Gavaskar speaking to Star Sports said,” I see him (Rahul) as a wicketkeeper as well but I will say one thing before that – if Rishabh Pant is fit on even one leg, he should come in the team because he is a game-changer in every format. If I am the selector, I will put his name first.”

Rishabh Pant is set to return and lead the Delhi Capitals side in the IPL 2024 edition after a long time out of the game, but his wicket-keeping role is uncertain as of now. He has been an important part of the Indian side having played a crucial role in India’s success in the Test format when playing overseas.

READ MORE: Rashid Khan Ruled Out of India T20Is, Confirms Afghanistan Captain Ibrahim Zadran

Sunil Gavaskar backed the inclusion of Pant but believes that Rahul can also provide the balance and the options to the Indian side for the T20 World Cup in 2024. He shared,” However if Rishabh Pant is unavailable and KL Rahul keeps wickets, it will be good because the balance will also get created. Then you have the option to play him as an opener or use him in the middle order as a finisher at No. 5 or No. 6.”

India’s next assignment in the shortest format is at home where they go against Afghanistan in a three-match series which begins at Mohali.

India’s Squad vs AFG: Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.